Tuesday night’s South Milwaukee City Council meeting started off with some fun — and some big money for the Susan B. Komen for the Cure — but also included some newsworthy business items. On the agenda …
- The council voted 8-0 to approve a 3% increase in water rates effective Jan. 1. The increase is a “simplified” one as defined by the Wisconsin Public Service Commission and does not require PSC approval. It “is necessary to reduce the existing deficiency in present rates and allow the Utility to build some cash reserves so as not to get in a financial bind while trying to replace some aging infrastructure,” according to a letter from Water Superintendent Douglas Fischer. The average residential user’s bill will increase $7.56 annually, with the largest residential user’s bill going up $10.80 annually, due to the increase. I am OK with the modest increase. Our rates remain competitive, and our water utility infrastructure is truly state of the art — a real point of difference for South Milwaukee. I support investing in this advantage.
- The council also agreed to award a small contract for the study of a potential traffic signal at 15th Avenue and Oak Creek Parkway near South Milwaukee High School. This “warrant study” will help determine if traffic counts support installation of a light, or perhaps other changes to this intersection, which gets quite chaotic (and unsafe) before and after school. In recent months, I and other city officials (including our city engineer and police chief) have been a part meetings with school leaders to discuss traffic safety concerns around the high and middle school campuses, and we’ve identified this as one potential improvement for that area. I’m interested to see what the study finds.
- The Legislation & Permits Committee also discussed allowing residents to keep chickens in South Milwaukee. Some balked at the idea. My thoughts? This is just the start of the debate, but I’m glad we’re having it. As it stands now, I’m inclined to support this, with clear restrictions around number, proper containment, and other measures included in ordinances in place with other communities (including Milwaukee). Of course, I’d like to know what you think about this as the discussion continues. I would hate to run afowl of my constituents. Post your comments below!
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